Should I Play Dishonored 2 as Corvo or Emily? A Master Thief’s Guide
The question isn’t simply which character to play in Dishonored 2, but how you want to experience the twisting streets of Karnaca and the dark machinations at play. There isn’t a single, definitive answer. It truly depends on your playstyle and what you’re seeking from your Dishonored 2 adventure.
If you’re a Dishonored veteran, comfortable with the established mechanics and craving a familiar, powerful presence, then diving back in with Corvo Attano is a no-brainer. His returning powers like Blink and Possession are finely tuned instruments of assassination and evasion. You’ll feel like you’re wielding a well-oiled machine, dispatching enemies with surgical precision.
However, if you’re new to the series or seeking a fresh perspective, Emily Kaldwin offers a compelling entry point. Her unique abilities, such as Far Reach, Domino, and Shadow Walk, provide a more versatile and creative approach to gameplay. She allows for more intricate maneuvering and manipulation of the environment, making for a more dynamic and less predictable experience. Think of her powers as complex tools with a lot of versatility, but the learning curve can be a bit higher than Corvo’s.
Ultimately, the “best” choice is the one that resonates with your personal preference. There’s a compelling argument to play the game twice, once as each character, to fully appreciate the narrative nuances and explore the distinct power sets. After all, the game subtly suggests that Emily’s playthrough is the true story, since even the tutorial is from her perspective. Following on from that tutorial is smoother if you continue as her for the rest of the game rather than suddenly switching to Corvo.
Narrative Nuances: The Story Through Different Eyes
While the core storyline remains consistent, the characters’ reactions to the events of Dishonored 2 differ significantly. Emily, reclaiming her throne and facing the usurpation of her birthright, carries a weighty responsibility that influences her dialogue and actions. She’s driven by a desire to restore order and prove her legitimacy.
Corvo, on the other hand, approaches the situation with a more protective and paternal instinct. He’s a seasoned warrior, hardened by years of political intrigue, and his focus is primarily on ensuring Emily’s safety and delivering justice to those who threaten her. This difference in perspective colors their interactions with other characters and adds depth to the overall narrative.
Gameplay Styles: Power Sets and Combat Approaches
The most significant difference between Corvo and Emily lies in their unique power sets. As mentioned earlier, Corvo’s abilities are familiar and straightforward. Blink offers unparalleled mobility, Possession allows for strategic infiltration, and Bend Time remains a devastating tool for both offense and defense. His skills lean towards direct action and calculated lethality.
Emily’s powers are more intricate and require a more thoughtful approach. Far Reach provides a versatile means of traversal and manipulation, Domino links enemies together for synchronized eliminations, and Shadow Walk transforms her into a stealthy predator. Her abilities excel in indirect confrontation and creative problem-solving.
Chaos and Consequences: How Your Choices Matter
Regardless of whether you play as Corvo or Emily, your choices throughout the game will impact the world around you. A high chaos playthrough, characterized by widespread death and destruction, will result in a darker ending and a more oppressive atmosphere. Conversely, a low chaos playthrough, achieved through non-lethal methods and careful planning, will lead to a more optimistic outcome.
Remember, killing is not always the answer. Experiment with non-lethal takedowns, utilize the environment to your advantage, and strive to minimize casualties. The consequences of your actions will be reflected in the world around you and the fate of the characters within it.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Dishonored 2
Is there a downside to killing in Dishonored 2?
Yes. More deaths lead to a higher chaos level, resulting in a darker story outcome and increased blood-flies.
Is Corvo Emily’s biological father?
Yes, Corvo is Emily’s father. While not explicitly stated in the first game, it’s significantly implied through dialogue and relationships.
Do your choices in Dishonored affect Dishonored 2? Will your decisions in Dishonored 2 affect anything in Death of the Outsider?
No, the games don’t have a system like that. Decisions in previous games don’t directly impact subsequent titles. Developers pick and choose canon elements relevant to the current story. The world of video games offers many possibilities, and the GamesLearningSociety.org website explores more about the effects these games can have.
Is there any romance in Dishonored 2?
Dishonored 2 contains no direct romance plots. However, several key characters are implied to be gay, adding depth to their characterizations.
Why doesn’t Emily call Corvo “dad”?
Due to the secrecy surrounding Corvo’s relationship with Empress Jessamine, he wasn’t publicly known as Emily’s father during her childhood.
Does Corvo have a girlfriend?
Corvo and Empress Jessamine were secretly lovers.
Which Dishonored ending is canon?
The low chaos ending is generally considered canon, although Corvo may have still killed some individuals.
Who is the canon character in Dishonored 2?
The canon protagonist for Dishonored 2 is Emily Kaldwin.
Why does Corvo wear a mask?
Corvo Attano wears the mask to conceal his identity while performing actions to protect Emily.
Is Dishonored 2 a flop?
Dishonored 2 was a commercially successful game, but sales in its first week were less than the original.
Is Corvo immune to the plague?
The in-game mechanics suggest Corvo’s passive ability, Vitality, functions as a healing factor, preventing him from contracting the plague.
Why is Dishonored 2 disappointing for some?
Some players find Dishonored 2’s enemy AI and stealth mechanics to be more challenging and less forgiving than the first game.
Does killing dogs count in Dishonored 2?
No, killing wolfhounds, rats, and river krusts does not affect the chaos level or lock the “Clean Hands” achievement.
Does Dishonored 2 have multiple endings?
Yes, Dishonored 2 has various ending stages depending on your choices and the overall chaos level.
Is Corvo dead in Dishonored 2?
No, Corvo is not dead in the canon ending of Dishonored 2. He and Emily both survive.
In conclusion, both Corvo and Emily offer unique and rewarding experiences in Dishonored 2. Choose the character that aligns with your preferred playstyle and narrative perspective. Don’t be afraid to play both! No matter whom you pick, this is an exciting, immersive game that offers different ways of playing the game.